After decades of neglect, Shimla set to get master plan

Over the years successive state governments came up with several proposals to decongest the state capital but none of them were found viable. Now with the municipal corporation finalizing a city development plan that proposes a flyover, tunnels, new lateral roads and sidewalks, Shimla will finally have a master plan.

Over the years successive state governments came up with several proposals to decongest the state capital but none of them were found viable. Now with the municipal corporation finalizing a city development plan that proposes a flyover, tunnels, new lateral roads and sidewalks, Shimla will finally have a master plan.

The city development plan for Shimla town is being prepared by CRISIL Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, a global analytical company providing ratings, research and risk and policy advisory services. On Friday the civic body along with the other stakeholders finalized the sectoral plans projects and strategies and investment plan for the state capital. The stakeholders held detailed discussions on construction of flyovers, elevated roads, connecting peak points near Bemloe, at Tall end and a Victory tunnel.

The plan proposes provision plying 'tempos' (auto rickshaws)) from suburban areas to the city and further connecting peripheral areas of Shimla. Participants from various government departments assessed a requirement of 200 vehicles to provide efficient connectivity.

Besides constructing sidewalks along the main circular road, the city development plan also proposes to build a tunnel to connect Knolls wood to Craig Garden. There is also a proposal for constructing more lateral roads from Bemloe to Fagli (4 km), Rajhana to Badagaon (Shoghi-Dhali bypass) from 103 tunnel to Phagli via Nabha (3 km). The plans lay stress on developing traditional walking routes. It also proposes to the make the city's main streets free of covered cables and power lines. There is also a proposal to lay underground cables.

To improve the waste management system, the city development plan has recommended decentralized waste segregation and composting. Reduce the life risk during the natural calamities the project suggested for retrofitting of important buildings to reduce the disaster vulnerability and make buildings climate resilient. There is also a proposal for improving streetlights. Participants also deliberated on improving municipal finances.

"It was also mentioned that the consultants will revise the plan incorporating all comments and present it before the city development plan committee in a month's time. It was also conveyed to send the final copies of the plan a week ahead before the meeting to all the stakeholders for their final approval and consent," deputy mayor Tikender Panwar told this reporter.